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18 Sep, 2024 by Jacob
I went to Kelly wanting to gain more time with my son. Thanks to Kelly and Lauren I was able to successfully gain 50/50 custody. The process was exhausting at times, due to the opposing counsel dragging their feet, but Kelly and Lauren were persistent and ensured that things on our end were done and they never backed down. I couldn’t be more grateful for the guidance by them, and the work they put into my situation. I’m grateful for how understanding Kelly was and how much she worked with me with my case. If I ever need assistance regarding family law, I will definitely hire Kelly and her team again.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Larry
Very intelligent. Very kind. At a time in your life you feel you can't make any sense. I owe her a huge thank you. Also great staff.
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11 Nov, 2022 by Jeff
First off I am a lawyer who practices in Kelly's community. When I had a family law matter come up I immediately called Kelly. Kelly and her staff were attentive, professional, and did an amazing job resolving a bad situation fairly and efficiently for me. Hire this lawyer.
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15 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
From the first initial conversation, Susan and her team have been nothing short of excellent. The team was very empathetic and compassionate about my divorce situation. She and the team took the initiative and responsibility to explain each step and the process, along with the best options for me to think about and make a decision. They were just SUPERFANTASTIC at what they do and how they treated me as a person and a client.
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03 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Susan is an outstanding attorney. She is highly responsive, detail oriented, highly empathetic, and overall a tremendous advocate for her clients. I felt very comfortable raising questions and concerns and always felt like Susan had my best interests in mind. During a difficult process, I felt very confident in Susan's abilities to represent me and all things considered, the outcomes of the case were very positive. I feel 100% sure that i chose the correct attorney for my case and would not hesitate to fully recommend Susan to anyone in need of legal services along the lines of her subject-matter expertise.
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29 May, 2019 by Jacquelin
I honestly can't praise or recommend Susan Butler and her staff enough! From 2006 through 2013 we hired her to represent us in a guardianship case. In 2008, I hired her to represent me in a divorce from my ex-husband. In 2012, my husband and I hired her in his child custody case. In 2013, we hired her to represent us in our adoption case. Each time we were able to obtain the outcome we wanted for our children and ourselves. Susan is extremely knowledgeable and straight forward. She holds herself to the highest degree of professionalism, and it shows in how she carries herself in and outside of the courtroom. Her care and compassion for those she represents is beyond comparison. The care and time she puts into the cases she takes shows in her representation of her clients, and in the handling of her cases. Her compassionate and knowledgeable staff have also been amazing! Her paralegal, Denise, has heard me cry in times of struggle, but encouraged me that Susan would see us through and fight for what was right. Susan fights for what is in the children's best interest, and won't back down! We've always said she was our BEST advocate for our children, and for ourselves!!! To this day our children will occasionally ask about her, and we've taken a few trips to her office to see her. She has made a positive impact on our children and their lives, and they adore her. I can't thank her enough for all her hard work and time she put into our cases. To be completely honest, if your looking for an attorney she is the one you want beside you, not the attorney your fighting against!!!
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12 Apr, 2021 by Patrick
I absolutely recommend Butler, Giraudo, and Meister if you want a problem-solving attorney and a compassionate, dedicated support staff (thanks for all your help Kelly!). Tami Meister represented me in a contentious divorce and child custody case that lasted over a year and a half. Attorney Meister was thoughtful, empathetic, and went above and beyond to make herself available for any questions or concerns I had. She cares for her clients and their cases but doesn’t allow emotion to negatively impact her ability to effectively advocate for them. I appreciated that she gave me realistic outcomes for each situation we found ourselves in, even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear at the time. I know that my case had a much more favorable outcome due to my choice in attorney and because I consistently deferred to Attorney Meister’s counsel and recommendations.
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03 Dec, 2020 by Emily
Tami was nothing but exceptional! She was always quick to response, stayed on top of my case, and got things done in a very timely matter. She is friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. She wasn't afraid to fight on my behalf when times called for it. She also saw that time was of the essence and did everything in her power to get my divorce finalized as quickly as possible so I could move forward with my life. I would HIGHLY recommend her!!
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03 Jan, 2020 by John
I was a wreck and had no idea what to expect from divorce. Tamara was very kind and made clear what I needed to do moving forward. She didn't waste my time or hers. I feel that hiring her was essential to my successfully navigating a very hard situation. She isn't a mudslinger or vague about what she does for her clients. I simply listened to her advice and trusted her guidance. My decision to hire her absolutely was the best one I could have made. Tamara and her entire office made me feel like I was a person not just the next case. I could never give enough thanks.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Brittney jones
Ms. Giraudo did a nice job of representing me, explaining my various options and keeping proceedings moving. I appreciated her attention to all the different parts of the process. The office staff, paralegals and everyone else I dealt with were also great.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Heather redeker
Kelly Giraudo was my lawyer. I highly recommend her. Going through a divorce is hard. Kelly helped with making the process easier. Explaining things to me. And answering questions I had. I’m very thankful for her!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Matthew sinclair
Very professional, punctual and communicative. You can't put a price on loved ones, especially your children. With that being said, they are very reasonably priced for the level of excellence you receive from them. I'm hoping to not need their help in the future, but if I ever do, I won't hesitate to call them back and retain them.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Brittney jones
Ms. Giraudo did a nice job of representing me, explaining my various options and keeping proceedings moving. I appreciated her attention to all the different parts of the process. The office staff, paralegals and everyone else I dealt with were also great.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Heather redeker
Kelly Giraudo was my lawyer. I highly recommend her. Going through a divorce is hard. Kelly helped with making the process easier. Explaining things to me. And answering questions I had. I’m very thankful for her!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Matthew sinclair
Very professional, punctual and communicative. You can't put a price on loved ones, especially your children. With that being said, they are very reasonably priced for the level of excellence you receive from them. I'm hoping to not need their help in the future, but if I ever do, I won't hesitate to call them back and retain them.
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption.
  2. How will you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved.
  3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
    An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case.
  4. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals.
  5. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases.
  6. Who will be handling my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
  • Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
  • Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
  • List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
  • Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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